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Welding rod fumes contain dangerous elements like manganese that has been linked to deadly and dangerous conditions, including manganese poisoning, Parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease. For many years, workers in industries involving the use of welding rods were exposed to dangerous fumes for extended amounts of time without being aware of the dangers. The toxicity of manganese has been recognized since 1837 for its ability to affect the central nervous system, yet workers have been and continue to be exposed to the toxic fume emissions.

The direct link between the use of welding products and neurological effects like Parkinson's disease is still argued, though the connection has been made for at least over a century. Workers claiming exposure to materials such as welding rods caused a neurological disorder, or sped up its development have been successfully resolved by filing lawsuits. Back in 1981, the World Health Organization acknowledged that chronic manganese poisoning is a hazard in industries such as welding. Yet a real connection has never been made despite several articles and studies concluding there is significant documentation displaying a link.

Lawsuits against companies manufacturing welding rods and other welding related companies have been filed since the late 1970s and continue to appear today. Studies performed on the toxicity of manganese continue to suggest a link to many conditions, even at a chronic low level. A study on manganese exposure at a chronic low level has shown that people with early stages of Parkinsonism could be especially sensitive to the toxic effects.

It has been alleged that the toxic fumes produced from welding and given off by the welding rods was concealed by the industry despite knowledge of dangerous risks. These allegations have been made for decades, though the industry denies the accusations and has tried to publish their own reports showing the welding rod fumes are safe. Some welding rod fumes contain other harmful toxins besides manganese, including chromium, nickel, and other metals.

Being compared to the next big asbestos litigation, welding rod litigation is expected to continue making waves in mass tort litigation. In 2003, HSBC, an investment bank, estimated there are 700,000 to 800,000 current and former welders in the United States. This number shows the potentially high number of workers exposed to welding rod fumes and the reason why welding rod litigation has been predicted to takeoff.

Weitz & Luxenberg is no longer accepting new Welding Rod cases.

see also:

Timeline Welding Rod Litigation - Welding Rod Lawyers - Welding Rod Timeline
Here you can find a history of Welding Rods, including what welding product manufacturers knew and when they knew it.

Parkinson's Disease Info Welding Rod Litigation - Welding Rod Lawyers - Parkinson's Disease Information
Here you can find information about Welding Rods, including Parkinson's disease

Learn More Welding Rod Litigation - Welding Rod Lawyer - Learn More about Welding Rods
Welding Rods Lawyer - Learn About Welding Rods Side Effects